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New Member
posted Jun 1, 2019 12:04:24 PM

My son is a FT grad student, but for less that 4 month ea (2018 an 2019) semester. Is there a way to combine both semesters to change him to FT student status?

I’m trying to come to terms with my son’s status as both a dependent and as a student. After a year off from graduating college he enrolled in a 1-year masters program in Australia. Both semesters are a little shy of 4 months, which does not meet the 5-month rule to be considered a student. Is there a way to combine both semesters to change him to student status?


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Intuit Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 12:04:24 PM

No, not if the time period covers two years.

You are considered as a full-time student you are enrolled in a school for the number of hours or courses considered by the school to be full-time during some part of at least 5 calendar months during the year.

4 Replies
Intuit Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 12:04:24 PM

No, not if the time period covers two years.

You are considered as a full-time student you are enrolled in a school for the number of hours or courses considered by the school to be full-time during some part of at least 5 calendar months during the year.

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 12:04:26 PM

Thanks, Coleen. Seems odd; he's going to a big league university and is considered a full-time buy the school and requirements of his degree. I wonder why he wouln't be considered a FT student? - I wonder how that will effect his student loan entries?

Intuit Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 12:04:26 PM

It shouldn't. This is for dependency. Age — must be under the age of 19 at the end of the tax year, or under the age of 24 if a full-time student for at least five months of the year, or be permanently and totally disabled at any time during the year.
If for education purposes:
However, each school defines "full time" in its own way (usually in terms of the number of courses or hours). If you are considered as a full-time student by your school, you will check YES to the question on the screen. Make sure to check with your school's registrar office to be sure.  

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 12:04:27 PM

Got it, that makes sense, thank you!